persuasive essay on single use plastic

Just a Few Choice Arguments as to Why Plastic Should be Banned

Plastic bags have already been banned in many places, but some argue that plastics themselves should be entirely abolished.

Updated Oct. 22 2020, 5:16 p.m. ET

In terms of recycling, the world is in a much better place than it was a few decades ago. Plastic bags have already been banned in many cities, counties, and countries the world over. Recycled plastic is being used to make just about everything you could imagine. Toys, bottles, tumblers, cutlery, and even a few recycling bins are just the beginning of what we can do with recycled plastic. 

Unfortunately, recycling and repurposing the plastic is like putting a Band-Aid on a wound that already needed stitches to begin with. Plastics are everywhere, and while some, like those used for cars or appliances, are a necessary evil, many can be completely eliminated; that’s the argument at least. But how feasible is this solution and why are plastics so bad in the first place?

Why is plastic bad for the environment?

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest problems facing our world today. It was first invented in 1907 by Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland. Made from petroleum products, Baekland’s “ bakelite ” plastic was a revolutionary material. It was lightweight, could withstand heat and cold, could hold up over time, and best of all, it was cheap and easy to mass-produce. Baekland couldn’t have anticipated that plastic’s long-term durability would end up making so detrimental and dangerous for the environment. 

Plastic doesn’t biodegrade. When it does break down — after a very long time, mind you — it turns into harmful nodules of microplasti c. These microplastic motes find their way into waterways, where they are digested by other creatures, including humans. They sit in the gut, piling up and leeching harmful elements into the body. 

Why is plastic bad for humans?

On top of being a pollutant, plastic is known to emit some radiation, and there are theories that some plastic water bottles are carcinogenic if used over time. This means that even using a reusable plastic water bottle isn’t a great idea either. If plastic is so bad for people and so bad for the environment, why are we still using it? 

Plastic’s highly-disposable nature is part of the problem as well. We can use a bottle of Gatorade for a few minutes and throw the bottle away when we’re done. It’s too easy and it always has been. It was only when we finally started to see the piles of plastic growing around us, piling up in landfills, and taking up huge swaths of the Pacific Ocean , that we decided something should be done. 

Can plastic really be recycled?

Plastic can and has been recycled for decades now, but there are some experts who think that even this isn’t such a good idea. First of all, not all plastic can be recycled . Only certain types, used for certain purposes can be reused and repurposed. When we do recycle plastic, melting it down in order to reprocess it can send harmful burning plastic smoke into the atmosphere. And frankly, we have enough problems with our atmosphere as it is. 

Recycling can also be logistically and financially difficult. Plastic recycling requires specialized equipment that is not readily available. Recycling plants require energy to run and people to man them. And unlike plastic production, which is cheap and easily handled after so much practice, recycling offers far less return on investment for businesses. Thus, it’s not nearly as popular as it should be. Not to mention, only about 9 percent of plastic actually gets recycled .

Should plastic be banned?

Based on the convenience and necessity of plastic, there is little chance of any government or organization outright banning it. People wouldn’t allow it. We’ve all become too hooked on the availability and comfort of the stuff. The alternatives aren't well-known either, and that presents a problem in delivering a coherent message to the general public. However, there are several solutions that might make regulating plastic a bit easier. 

How can we ban plastic?

The first thing we could do is tax it. This has already been done with disposable grocery bags in some places, where many people are just not willing to pay an extra 10 cents for a plastic bag. That adds up over time. Of course, many consumers have rolled over in favor of convenience, plastic’s most staunch advocate. Recycling can only go so far as we discussed, but it is an option — though there's not much to do about non-recyclable plastics. 

Banning single-use plastics is the only true way to do it. Bags were a good start, but bottles, cups, straws, and cutlery will be a harder sell. This is especially true for small businesses and chains who rely on low-cost options to serve and sell their wares. In the end, allowances will always have to be considered. Unfortunately, until everyone is on board, plastics will remain an innocuous, yet destructive piece of our daily lives. 

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• Should Plastic be Banned

Essay on Plastic Ban: Why We Must Ban Plastic

Plastic bags, made of stable organic polymers, pose a significant threat to the environment. These long chains of carbon atoms are chemically stable, making them resistant to environmental breakdown. Despite their industrial importance and affordability, the environmental impact of plastic bags is becoming evident.

The non-degradable waste from years of plastic use is now causing pollution in the air, water, soil, and every part of nature. Plastic bags take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to land and water pollution globally. The excessive use of plastics introduces them into our food chain, posing health risks such as organ failure and respiratory distress.

Animals, both on land and in water, unknowingly consume plastic, leading to blockages and respiratory failure. Marine animals often die from entanglement in plastic waste. Additionally, plastic bags accumulate in waterways, clogging drains and sewers, resulting in disease vectors and reduced oxygen supply to aquatic animals.

Efforts to tax plastic use have been ineffective. However, before banning plastics, suitable replacements must be available to avoid inconvenience. The urgency to save our planet, our only home, calls for a global ban on plastic bags.

The pervasive use of plastic, while convenient and durable, has unleashed a hidden monster - plastic pollution. This threat affects every corner of the planet, endangering life on land and in water. Banning single-use plastics is crucial for a healthier planet and a brighter future.

Plastic pollution extends to our oceans, with an estimated 8 million tons entering annually. Gyres of plastic debris harm marine life, suffocating sea turtles and posing threats to entire ecosystems. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch serves as a stark reminder of the uncontrolled plastic plague.

The impact on land is equally alarming, with plastic bags causing floods, contaminating the food chain with microplastics, and overflowing landfills. The health risks to humans include disruptions to the endocrine system and potential long-term consequences from exposure to microplastics.

To combat plastic pollution, a multi-pronged approach is needed. Banning single-use plastics, promoting responsible production and disposal, and investing in alternatives are crucial steps. This crisis presents an opportunity for collective action, innovation, and a shift towards a circular economy.

The fight against single-use plastic is not just an environmental crusade but a battle for the health and future of our planet. It requires a shift towards responsible use, mindful disposal, and a commitment to a future where convenience does not harm the planet. By embracing the ban on single-use plastics, we pave the way for a healthier planet and a testament to human ingenuity and environmental stewardship.

Towards a Plastic-Free Tomorrow

Imagine a world where beautiful beaches invite you with golden sands, not piles of plastic. Coral reefs thrive with life, free from plastic's suffocating hold. Clean air fills our lungs, untouched by the fumes of burning plastic. This isn't a far-off dream; it's a possible future if we take action.

A plastic ban isn't a fight against convenience; it's a necessary shift for a sustainable future. It's a call to embrace responsibility, innovation, and deep respect for our shared planet. Let's meet this challenge, break free from plastic's grasp, and reclaim a future where life unfolds in vibrant, unspoiled glory.

The plastic crisis isn't a distant threat; it's a fire at our doorstep. A plastic ban might seem drastic, but it's the necessary action we need. By prioritizing our planet's health and our well-being, we can pave the way for a plastic-free future. It's not just about inconvenience; it's about reclaiming our future, one reusable bag, one biodegradable choice at a time.

FAQs on Should Plastic be Banned

1. Are plastic bags a boon for nature or a curse?

Plastic bags are small and lightweight, making them easy to transport.

This may appear to be a blessing to us, but there is another side to the coin.

Because they are light, they are easily carried away by the wind and water.

As a result, they end up in seas and oceans, polluting them. Furthermore, they become tangled in fences and trash our landscapes when carried away by the wind.

The ingredient used to produce plastic bags is polypropylene, which is why they are so long-lasting.

This polypropylene, on the other hand, is made from natural gas and petroleum, and it is non-biodegradable.

There is a common misperception that recycling is a better option than using plastic bags. This eventually compels the producers to produce more, and the process repeats itself with a tiny modification in the number of units produced.

Plastic bags are damaging to human health, even though they are one of the most practical bags for carrying lots of things.

2. How to minimize the use of plastic?

Plastic bag-related hazards are frequently disregarded and underestimated.

This is because individuals do not consider the long-term consequences of the compact, easy-to-carry bags they use on a daily basis.

Plastic bags have been banned in a number of several throughout the world.

In many Indian states, the use of plastic bags has also been limited by the government.

To ensure that the usage of these bags is prohibited, the government must take stringent measures. There needs to be a complete ban on the production of plastic bags.

Retailers must also be penalized if they offer plastic bags.

Those who are caught carrying plastic bags should be penalized as well.

3. Why should plastic be banned?

There are a variety of reasons why governments around the world have enacted tough regulations to limit the use of plastic bags. Here are a few reasons

Plastic bags that have been discarded are heavily damaging the land and water.

Plastic bags have become a hazard to the lives of both terrestrial and aquatic species.

Waste plastic bags emit chemicals into the soil, rendering it infertile.

The use of plastic bags has a harmful influence on human health.

The drainage issue is caused by plastic bags

4. What problems are caused by plastics?

Here are some of the issues that plastic bags cause:

Non-Biodegradable- Plastic bags do not decompose. As a result, disposing of plastics is the most difficult task.

Environmental Degradation- They are destroying nature as a result of their negative impact. Today, plastic bags are the leading cause of land pollution. Plastic bags that end up in aquatic bodies are a major source of pollution. As a result, we may conclude that these are wreaking havoc on our ecosystem in every manner possible.

Animals and Marine Creatures are Harmed- Plastic particles are inadvertently consumed by animals and aquatic species. According to research, waste plastic bags are a major cause of untimely animal fatalities.

Illness in Humans- Toxic chemicals are released during the manufacture of plastic bags. These are the leading causes of death. The polluted environment is a key cause of a variety of diseases that are easily spread among humans.

Sewage Back-Up- The biggest cause of drain and sewage blockages, especially during rainstorms, is waste plastic bags. This could result in a flood-like situation, disrupting people's daily lives.

5. Does plastic cause pollution?

Yes, plastic causes pollution. Plastic bags are a key source of plastic pollution, a type of waste that is wreaking havoc on our ecosystem. It poses a threat to human life on the planet. To decrease pollution, plastic bags must be prohibited. Plastic bags pollute the environment, the air, and the water. This is why they have been outlawed in a number several. However, they are still widely used in most parts of the world, and they are proving to be environmentally hazardous.

6. Are Plastic Bags Banned in India?

In October 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a nationwide ban on single-use plastic which is used for carrying food for eating or drinking cups that is discarded immediately after one use was put into effect so as to achieve the goal to make India plastic-free by 2022. As this kind of plastic is not easily recyclable it is a great way to conserve nature.

7. What are the Alternatives to Plastic?

As of now till there are other options one can use paper bags or cotton bags, these are easily available and can also be easily hand-made. The material is so good that it lasts a long time and doesn’t get damaged easily and when dumped is decomposed easily as it is made of biodegradable and renewable sources.

Essay on Single Use Plastic

Students are often asked to write an essay on Single Use Plastic in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Single Use Plastic

Understanding single use plastic.

Single use plastics are items like bags, straws, and bottles, used once and then thrown away. They’re convenient but cause pollution.

Why Are They Bad?

What can we do.

We can reduce single use plastics by choosing reusable items. This helps protect our planet. Remember: every small action counts!

250 Words Essay on Single Use Plastic

Introduction.

Single-use plastics are ubiquitous in our modern lives. They are the packaging we discard after using a product, the straws in our drinks, and the bags we carry our groceries in. These plastics have severe environmental implications, primarily due to their non-biodegradable nature.

Environmental Impact

Public health concerns.

The health implications of single-use plastics are profound. Microplastics, tiny fragments resulting from plastic degradation, enter the food chain, posing potential harm to human health. Moreover, the production and incineration of these plastics release harmful pollutants, contributing to respiratory ailments and other health issues.

Solutions and Alternatives

Addressing the single-use plastic problem requires a multi-pronged approach. Individuals can reduce their plastic consumption through conscious choices, such as using reusable bags. Governments can enforce stricter regulations on plastic production and disposal. Corporations can invest in developing sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.

The issue of single-use plastics is a pressing one. While they offer convenience, the environmental and health costs are too high. It is incumbent upon us all – individuals, governments, and corporations – to take action towards a sustainable future free from the detrimental effects of single-use plastics.

500 Words Essay on Single Use Plastic

Single-use plastics, also known as disposable plastics, are used only once before they are thrown away or recycled. These include plastic bags, straws, coffee stirrers, soda and water bottles, and most food packaging. The convenience offered by these materials has led to a surge in their use. However, the environmental impact of single-use plastics is a growing concern.

The Proliferation of Single-Use Plastics

The production of single-use plastics has been driven by a global culture of convenience and disposability. These plastics are cheap, lightweight, and easy to make, and they offer a level of hygiene that is often seen as desirable. However, their very convenience is their downfall. The majority of these plastics end up in landfills, where they take hundreds of years to decompose.

Furthermore, the production and disposal of single-use plastics contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating the problem of global warming. The process of manufacturing these plastics involves the emission of harmful gases, and when these plastics are not properly disposed of, they can release toxins into the environment.

The Social and Economic Impact

The single-use plastic problem also has social and economic implications. The cost of managing waste, particularly in developing countries, can be overwhelming. Moreover, the visual pollution caused by littered plastics can negatively impact tourism in areas known for their natural beauty.

Alternatives and Solutions

Policy interventions are also necessary. Many countries have introduced bans or taxes on single-use plastics, and these have been shown to be effective in reducing plastic waste.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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World Without Plastic: Steps to Reduce Plastic Use Essay

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To my mind, it is becoming increasingly popular to use eco-friendly materials to prevent waste spread globally. Throughout the years, plastic waste was an enormous problem because it contaminated lakes, oceans, rivers, grounds, and the environment in general. Undoubtedly, it also causes significant harm to human health due to the hazardous toxins it produces during its decomposition. It takes approximately 1,000 years to decompose plastic which presumes that if the present generation keeps consuming large amounts of plastic, further generations are unlikely to survive in such an environment (Tapan). Therefore, it is vital to take action now to prevent mass plastic consumption.

I think it is partially possible to dispose of the significant part of plastic waste and recycle it to use as a source of sustainable energy. The first step to reducing plastic use is simple for everyone: people should stop buying water bottles and replace them with glass ones or install water filters. This small contribution will decrease the level of pollution at the global level. Moreover, I presume recycling plastic is an excellent option to produce energy. Plastics have a high energy potential that allows producing electricity, synthetic gas, and even fuel. Thus, by rethinking the idea of using plastic in such a way, it is possible to stop planet contamination.

In addition, I believe that people have a responsibility to take care of the planet and control waste disposal. By taking small steps to reduce plastic consumption, we can allow the planet to live longer and make everyone’s lives more environmentally friendly. Unless people are aware of the consequences of plastic proliferation, there is a global threat to their health and the environment.

Tapan, Mirac. “Nature Can’t Do It All: How Long Does It Take for Our Waste to Decompose?” Daily Sabah , 2019. Web.

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The World's Plastic Pollution Crisis Explained

Much of the planet is swimming in discarded plastic, which is harming animal and possibly human health. Can it be cleaned up?

Conservation

Children Play among Plastic

While plastic pollution is a worldwide problem it is most obvious in less-wealthy African and Asian nations, like the Philippines. Here, children play among plastic waste on the shore of Manila Bay.

Photograph by Randy Olson

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them. Plastic pollution is most visible in less-wealthy Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often inefficient or nonexistent. But wealthy nations, especially those with low recycling rates, also have trouble properly collecting discarded plastics. Plastic trash has become so ubiquitous it has prompted efforts to write a global treaty negotiated by the United Nations. How Did this Happen? Plastics made from fossil fuels are just over a century old. Production and development of thousands of new plastic products accelerated after World War II to the extent that life without plastics would be unimaginable today. Plastics revolutionized medicine with life-saving devices, made space travel possible, lightened cars and jets—saving fuel and lessening pollution —and saved lives with helmets, incubators , and equipment for clean drinking water. The conveniences plastics offer, however, led to a throw-away culture that reveals the material’s dark side: Today, single-use plastics account for 40 percent of the plastic produced every year. Many of these products, such as plastic bags and food wrappers, are used for mere minutes to hours, yet they may persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Plastics by the Numbers Some key facts:

• Half of all plastics ever manufactured have been made in the last 15 years.
• Production increased exponentially, from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons by 2015. Production is expected to double by 2050.
• Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations. That’s the equivalent of setting five garbage bags full of trash on every foot of coastline around the world.
• Plastics often contain additives making them stronger, more flexible, and durable. But many of these additives can extend the life of products if they become litter, with some estimates ranging to at least 400 years to break down.

How Plastics Move around the World Most of the plastic trash in the oceans, Earth’s last sink, flows from land. Trash is also carried to sea by major rivers, which act as conveyor belts, picking up more and more trash as they move downstream . Once at sea, much of the plastic trash remains in coastal waters. But once caught up in ocean currents, it can be transported around the world. On Henderson Island, an uninhabited atoll in the Pitcairn Group isolated halfway between Chile and New Zealand, scientists found plastic items from Russia, the United States, Europe, South America, Japan, and China. They were carried to the South Pacific by the South Pacific gyre , a circular ocean current. Microplastics Once at sea, sunlight, wind, and wave action break down plastic waste into small particles, often less than half a centimer (one-fifth of an inch) across. These so-called microplastics are spread throughout the water column and have been found in every corner of the globe, from Mount Everest, the highest peak, to the Mariana Trench, the deepest trough . Microplastics are breaking down further into smaller and smaller pieces. Plastic microfibers (or the even smaller nanofibers), meanwhile, have been found in municipal drinking water systems and drifting through the air. Harm to Wildlife Millions of animals are killed by plastics every year, from birds to fish to other marine organisms. Nearly 700 species, including endangered ones, are known to have been affected by plastics. Nearly every species of seabird eats plastics. Most of the deaths to animals are caused by entanglement or starvation. Seals, whales, turtles, and other animals are strangled by  abandoned fishing gear or discarded six-pack rings. Microplastics have been found in more than 100 aquatic species, including fish, shrimp, and mussels destined for our dinner plates. In many cases, these tiny bits pass through the digestive system and are expelled without consequence. But plastics have also been found to have blocked digestive tracts or pierced organs, causing death. Stomachs so packed with plastics reduce the urge to eat, causing starvation. Plastics have been consumed by land-based animals, including elephants, hyenas, zebras, tigers, camels, cattle, and other large mammals, in some cases causing death. Tests have also confirmed liver and cell damage and disruptions to  reproductive systems , prompting some species, such as oysters, to produce fewer eggs. New research shows that larval fish are eating nanofibers in the first days of life, raising new questions about the effects of plastics on fish populations. Stemming the Plastic Tide Once in the ocean, it is difficult—if not impossible—to retrieve plastic waste. Mechanical systems, such as Mr. Trash Wheel, a litter interceptor in Maryland’s Baltimore Harbor, can be effective at picking up large pieces of plastic, such as foam cups and food containers, from inland waters. But once plastics break down into microplastics and drift throughout the water column in the open ocean, they are virtually impossible to recover. The solution is to prevent plastic waste from entering rivers and seas in the first place, many scientists and conservationists—including the National Geographic Society—say. This could be accomplished with improved waste management systems and recycling, better product design that takes into account the short life of disposable packaging, and reduction in manufacturing of unnecessary single-use plastics.

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Reducing Single-Use Plastic Pollution: A Unified Approach

About the author, lizzie carr.

Lizzie Carr is an activist, author and the founder of Plastic Patrol.

For the avoidance of doubt, let’s first clarify the meaning of the term “single-use plastics” in the context of this article. We’re talking specifically about products like plastic bottles and sweets wrappers, which are designed to be used once before being discarded.

A staggering 91 per cent of all plastic is single-use, and the rate of mass production since plastic became commonly used almost six decades ago has resulted in 8.3 billion metric tonnes of plastic pollution. 1 The scariest part of this is that production of plastic is set to double over the next 20 years, despite increasing awareness of its detrimental impact on the environment.

Bring all these facts together and it becomes clear that we are in the murky depths of a global plastic crisis. The problem is so serious that the United Nations has identified single-use plastics as one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges of modern times.

And a challenge it is. But who is to blame? Well, the answer depends entirely on who you ask.

Manufacturers argue the case for supply and demand. Why stop producing something that consumers clearly want and continue to buy? Consumers defend themselves by citing lack of choice at point of sale, inflated costs for sustainable options and greenwashing tactics (conveying deliberately misleading information that positions a brand or product as more environmentally sound than it really is) that cause confusion. Meanwhile, the Government of the United Kingdom treads water as it proposes taxes, bans and reforms to outdated production and consumption systems.

As we continue to operate in a paradigm of evading responsibility, we fail to recognize our own shortcomings and the part we play—both individually and collectively—to tackle this problem. The truth is that we are part of a system and we all have an important role within it. Finger-pointing only serves to divert attention from the actual problem. It stalls the action that leads to progress—and we are running out of time.

The only way to end our dependence on single-use plastic is for everyone to recognize, understand and respect the challenges present at every level and act accordingly to address them. As with all effective systems, there needs to be communication, cohesion and unity, otherwise they break down. This same approach must be applied across consumer groups, industry and government to identify and implement effective solutions to the single-use plastic crisis.

Taking a circular approach

Government and private industry continue to make ambitious commitments in the transition towards a circular economy—a system based on creating economic value by eliminating waste and reliance on finite resources in favour of the continued use of materials and resources within it.

It sounds simple enough. One might think that having the 79 businesses that are single-handedly responsible for more than 80 per cent of plastic packaging in products sold across supermarkets in the United Kingdom adopt this approach would solve the problem, right?

The circular model in its present state is not perfect. It is progressive, but as it does not extend to monitoring or capturing single-use materials that leak out of the circular loop or have already escaped into the environment, it is inadequate. The European Union projects that marine plastic pollution will increase to 150 million tonnes by 2025. 2  This phenomenon must be addressed in the circular approach to make it a truly effective and encompassing model.

We must measure the extent and impact of the single-use plastic problem to fully understand and manage it. Tracking and recording single-use plastic lost to the environment is an almost impossible task, but that doesn’t make it any less important. The truth is that it can be done.

Demanding transparency and accountability

Plastic Patrol , the non-profit organization I founded in 2016, combines adventure activism and disruptive technology to crowdsource data on single-use waste through a global network of volunteers. Citizens join free, activity-based clean-ups organized either officially by our team or independently. Everything collected is recorded in the Plastic Patrol app, which provides insight into location, type, brand and quantity of the items collected, as well as human behaviour, all over the world. It’s a real-time and “always on” approach to the collection of data on litter.

Citizens have the responsibility to police and, ultimately, measure all single-use waste that leaks from the circular system and introduce it back into the system. The data captured serves as an impartial and robust tool to set industry benchmarks based on evidence and develop ambitious targets that can be regulated by government.

To date, more than 15,000 volunteers have taken part in this project, and data has been recorded across 80 countries. The general public are motivated by action but aren’t working against the system, they are working for it. Recording single-use litter and presenting findings is not an attack on industry or government failings. It is a critical resource and analytical tool that, if embraced by all, can harness the positive actions of the population to provide valuable (and otherwise largely unobtainable insight) into the trends and patterns related to single-use plastic and human behaviour to drive meaningful change upstream.

This unified approach not only ensures that single-use plastic is intercepted and removed from the natural environment, and that it is placed back into the circular system. It also creates an unprecedented level of transparent accountability, which companies that are genuinely looking for solutions should welcome. The project gives consumers, industry and government the unique opportunity to collaborate and take collective ownership of the problem. Data collected by the public can help accelerate and monitor the transition to a circular economy. Plastic Patrol is igniting and leading behavioural change around single-use plastic through community action and citizen science, while driving industry and political action that serve to protect our planet and wildlife from the harmful effects of such litter.

Supporting government action

In 2019, Plastic Patrol released its first-ever impact report detailing the extent of single-use litter in the United Kingdom. Based on an analysis of 110,614 pieces of litter crowdsourced through the Plastic Patrol app in 2019, the insights provide a framework to call for strong and urgent industry action, and support government plans to invoke the “polluter pays” principle and reform the current remit of extended producer responsibility (EPR), a policy approach that extends a producer’s responsibility for a product to the post-use stage beyond point of purchase.

The Government of the United Kingdom outlined plans for obligated businesses to pay full net costs for managing packaging waste, including the collection, recycling, disposal and clean-up of litter.

To ensure that EPR is effective, it must be supported by a transparent and data-driven regulatory and monitoring framework. Costs must be fairly distributed between producers and a robust mechanism must be used to accurately track materials throughout the system, including leakage into the environment. Crowdsourced data on polluting materials will be essential to monitoring progress and calculating costs associated with those materials, and technology like the Plastic Patrol app provides an opportunity to support such a regulatory and monitoring framework.

With so many different parties involved, the solution may seem challenging to implement. If everyone is striving to achieve the same end goal, however, then it should be overwhelmingly simple to execute. But we must stop pointing fingers and start working together.

1  Roland Geyer, Jenna R. Jambeck and Kara Lavender Law, “Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made”, Science Advances , vol. 3, No. 7 (July 2017). Available at https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/3/7/e1700782.full . 2  Ben Webster, “Plastic in oceans will triple within seven years, scientists warn”, Times, 21 March 2018.  

19 March 2020

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Sailors for Sustainability: Sailing the Globe to Document Proven Solutions for Sustainable Living

Most of the solutions we have described are tangible examples of sustainability in action. Yet our sailing journey also made us realize that the most important ingredient for a sustainable future is sustainability from within. By that we mean adopting a different way of perceiving the Earth and our role in it.

What if We Could Put an End to Loss of Precious Lives on the Roads?

Road safety is neither confined to public health nor is it restricted to urban planning. It is a core 2030 Agenda matter. Reaching the objective of preventing at least 50 per cent of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030 would be a significant contribution to every SDG and SDG transition.

Promoting Evidence-Based Prevention Strategies to Mitigate the Harms of Drug Use: The Role of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

The engagement of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime with Member States is particularly focused on interventions addressing early adolescence through schools and families by piloting evidence-based, manualized programmes worldwide. 

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Should Plastic be Banned Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on should plastic be banned.

Plastic bags are a major cause of environmental pollutio n. Plastic as a substance is non-biodegradable and thus plastic bags remain in the environment for hundreds of years polluting it immensely. It has become very essential to ban plastic bags before they ruin our planet completely. Many countries around the globe have either put a ban on the plastic bag or Levi tax on it. However, the problem hasn’t been solved completely because the implementation of these measures hasn’t been as successful.

Problems Caused by Plastic Bags

Here are some of the problems caused by plastic bags:

Non-Biodegradable

Plastic bags are non-biodegradable. Thus, disposing of the plastics is the biggest challenge. T

Deterioration of Environment

They are destroying nature due to their harmful effect. Plastic bags have become the main cause of land pollution today. The plastic bags entering into the water bodies are a major cause of water pollution . Hence we can conclude that these are deteriorating our environment in every possible way.

Harmful for Animals and Marine Creatures

Animals and marine creatures unknowingly consume plastic particles along with their food. Research shows that waste plastic bags have been a major reason for untimely animal deaths.

Cause of Illness in Humans

The production of plastic bags releases toxic chemicals. These are the main cause of serious illness. The polluted environment is a major reason for various diseases which are spreading easily in human beings.

Clogged Sewage

Waste plastic bags are the main reason for trapping the drains and sewers, especially during rains. This can result in a flood-like situation and disrupt the normal life of people.

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Reasons to Ban Plastic Bags

There are numerous reasons why the government of various countries has come up with strict measures to limit the use of plastic bags. Some of these include:

• Waste plastic bags are polluting the land and water immensely.
• Plastic bags have become a threat to the life of animals living on earth as well as in water.
• Chemicals released by waste plastic bags enter the soil and make it infertile.
• Plastic bags are having a negative impact on human health.
• Plastic bags lead to the drainage problem.

Public Support for Plastic Bag Ban

Although the Indian government has imposed a ban on the usage of plastic bags in many states. But people are still carrying these bags. Shopkeepers stop providing plastic bags for few days only in the beginning.

It is time when we all must contribute our bit to make this ban a success. Thus we the educated lot of society must take it as our responsibility to stop using plastic bags. In this way, we can support the government in this campaign.

Some contributions that can be made by people are as follows:

In order to be successful in this mission, we must keep reminding ourselves about the harmful effects of the plastic bags on our nature and keep a tab on their use. Gradually, we will become habitual to doing without these bags.

Seek Alternatives

There are many eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags like reusable jute or cloth bag.

We must reuse the plastic bags we already have at home as many times as we can before throwing them away.

Spread Awareness

While the government is spreading awareness about the harmful effects of plastic bags, we can also spread awareness through word of mouth.

Although plastic is becoming a big threat for all of us, still this problem has often been overlooked and underestimated. This is because people do not look at the long term effect of these small, easy to carry bags they use in their everyday life. Besides all of these people keep using bags due to their convenience. But now everyone has to completely stop using the plastic bag to save our environment and earth.

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Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Plastic Bags — Single Use Plastic

Single Use Plastic

• Categories: Natural Resources Plastic Bags

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Words: 549 |

Published: Jul 10, 2019

Words: 549 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

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The culture of packaging, out of sight, out of mind but right into the stomach, donkey meat anyone, camping at the park, positive development.

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Essay on Plastic Pollution

Introduction

Plastic pollution has become a critical environmental challenge, presenting a major threat to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health on a global scale. Defined as the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, this issue has reached alarming levels due to the pervasive use of single-use plastics and inadequate waste management systems. For instance, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, spanning an area twice the size of Texas, is a stark reminder of the scale of this problem. As plastics persist in the environment for hundreds of years, they degrade into smaller particles known as microplastics, infiltrating even the most remote ecosystems. This essay will examine the effects, reasons, and remedies for plastic pollution , emphasizing the immediate necessity for collective action to tackle this worldwide crisis.

Significance of the Issue

The significance of plastic pollution extends beyond environmental concerns to encompass economic, social, and health implications. Here are several key points outlining its significance:

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• Environmental Degradation: Plastic pollution disrupts ecosystems, harming wildlife through ingestion, entanglement, and habitat destruction. It contaminates soil, waterways, and oceans, altering natural landscapes and threatening biodiversity .
• Human Health Risks: Plastics release harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which can leach into food and water and pose health risks such as hormonal disruption, reproductive issues, and cancer.
• Economic Costs: Plastic pollution imposes significant economic burdens on communities and industries, including costs associated with cleanup efforts, damage to tourism and fisheries, and losses in agricultural productivity.
• Marine Debris: Plastic debris in oceans severely threatens marine life. Millions of seabirds, turtles, and marine mammals perish yearly due to consuming or becoming entangled in plastic waste.
• Microplastic Contamination: Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size, have infiltrated marine and terrestrial environments, entering the food chain and potentially exposing humans to harmful toxins.
• Global Scale: Plastic pollution is a global issue, transcending national borders and affecting all continents. The interconnected nature of marine currents means that plastic waste generated in one region can travel thousands of kilometers, exacerbating the problem on a global scale.
• Long-term Persistence: Plastics can persist in the environment for hundreds to thousands of years, accumulating over time and exacerbating the problem of pollution. This persistence makes plastic pollution a long-term and challenging issue to address.
• Environmental Justice: Plastic pollution disproportionately affects marginalized communities and developing countries with limited waste management resources, exacerbating social inequalities and environmental injustices.

Types of Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution comes in various forms, each with its own set of environmental impacts. Here are some common types of plastic pollution:

• Single-Use Plastics: Manufacturers design items like plastic bags, straws, bottles, and packaging for one-time use before users discard them. They majorly contribute to plastic pollution due to their widespread consumption and improper disposal.
• Microplastics: These are minute plastic particles measuring less than 5mm, either intentionally produced for specific uses (such as microbeads in cosmetics) or generated through the degradation of larger plastic items. Microplastics are widely distributed in the environment, existing in oceans , soil , and even the air .
• Macroplastics: Larger plastic items, such as fishing nets, buoys, and packaging materials, contribute to visible pollution in water bodies and on land. These items can entangle marine life and pose a hazard to wildlife.
• Nurdles: Nurdles are small, pellet-like plastic raw materials used in manufacturing plastic products. Accidental spills during transportation or handling can lead to nurdle pollution in waterways, where they can be mistaken for food by marine animals.
• Plastic Bags: The convenience of lightweight, long-lasting plastic bags for shopping and packaging comes at a cost: significant environmental pollution . This is because they are rarely recycled and often thrown away improperly.
• Expanded Polystyrene (Styrofoam): Styrofoam products, such as food containers and packaging materials, are lightweight and easily carried by wind and water, leading to widespread pollution in urban and natural environments.
• Plastic Packaging: Excessive packaging, especially non-recyclable or difficult-to-recycle materials, contributes to plastic pollution by generating large amounts of waste that often end up in landfills or the environment.

Causes of Plastic Pollution

Human activities and a combination of societal, economic, and environmental factors primarily cause plastic pollution. Here are some key causes of plastic pollution:

• Poor Waste Management: Inadequate waste management systems, including insufficient recycling infrastructure and improper disposal practices, litter plastic waste or end up in landfills, waterways, and oceans.
• Plastic Production and Consumption: The increasing production and consumption of plastics, driven by consumer demand and industrial processes, lead to a higher volume of plastic waste entering the environment.
• Lack of Recycling: Many plastics need to be recycled due to low recycling rates, limited recycling facilities, and the complexity of recycling certain types of plastics.
• Plastic Packaging: Excessive and unnecessary plastic packaging contributes to plastic pollution. Packaging materials often become waste after a single use, adding to the plastic waste stream.
• Mismanagement of Plastic Waste: Illegal dumping, littering, and inadequate waste collection and disposal practices contribute to plastic pollution, especially in urban areas and developing countries with limited waste management infrastructure.
• Plastic in Rivers and Waterways: Plastic waste from inland sources can be transported through rivers and waterways to the ocean, where it accumulates and contributes to marine plastic pollution.
• Loss and Abandonment of Fishing Gear: Discarded or lost fishing gear, such as nets and lines, is a significant source of marine plastic pollution, posing entanglement and ingestion risks to aquatic life.
• Microplastics from Synthetic Fibers: Synthetic fibers from clothing, textiles, and personal care products can shed microplastic particles during use and washing, contributing to microplastic pollution in the environment.
• Lack of Awareness and Education: Insufficient awareness of plastic pollution’s harmful environmental effects and the importance of proper waste disposal can lead to unsustainable habits and actions.

Human Health Implications

Plastic pollution has several human health implications, primarily due to the toxic chemicals present in plastics and the potential for ingestion of microplastics. Here are some key ways in which plastic pollution can impact human health:

• Chemical Exposure: Plastics contain a variety of chemicals, such as bisphenols (e.g., BPA) and phthalates, which are known to be endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can potentially migrate out of plastics and into food, drinks, and the surroundings, potentially exposing humans to harmful substances.
• Food and Water Contamination: Plastic packaging and containers can contaminate food and water with chemicals from the plastic, especially when exposed to heat or acidic conditions. This contamination can lead to ingesting harmful chemicals, posing risks to human health.
• Microplastic Ingestion: Microplastics, which are tiny particles of plastic less than 5mm in size, can be ingested through food, water, and air. Over time, these particles can accumulate in the body and may cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and other adverse health effects.
• Respiratory Issues: Burning plastic waste, a common disposal method in some areas, releases toxic fumes and particulate matter into the air. Breathing in these pollutants can cause respiratory issues and worsen pre-existing conditions.
• Endocrine Disruption: Some chemicals found in plastics, such as phthalates and bisphenols, can interfere with the body’s hormonal system, potentially leading to reproductive issues, developmental problems, and other health effects.
• Cancer Risk: Certain chemicals found in plastics, such as styrene and vinyl chloride, are classified as carcinogens and may increase the risk of cancer with long-term exposure.
• Immune System Effects: Exposure to chemicals in plastics can affect the immune system, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections and other immune-related disorders.
• Children’s Health: Children are especially susceptible to the health consequences of plastic pollution because of their developing bodies and behaviors that could lead to increased exposure, such as frequent hand-to-mouth contact

Global Efforts to Combat Plastic Pollution

In recent years, global efforts to combat plastic pollution have gained momentum, with various initiatives and actions taking place at international, national, and local levels. Here are some key global efforts to address plastic pollution:

• United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA): The UNEA has highlighted the issue of plastic pollution and called for action to address it. In 2019, the UNEA adopted a resolution on marine litter and microplastics, urging countries to take measures to reduce plastic waste.
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): UNEP has launched several initiatives to combat plastic pollution, including the Clean Seas campaign, which aims to reduce marine litter and raise awareness about the issue.
• Plastic Pollution Coalition: This global alliance of organizations, businesses , and individuals is working to reduce plastic pollution through advocacy, education, and collaboration.
• Ocean Cleanup Projects: Several organizations and initiatives are working on technologies and projects to remove plastic waste from the oceans, such as the Ocean Cleanup project and various beach cleanup efforts.
• International Agreements: Global agreements like the Basel Convention, Stockholm Convention, and Rotterdam Convention tackle the cross-border transport of hazardous waste, including plastic waste, with the goal of minimizing its impact on human health and the environment.
• Plastic Bag Bans: Numerous countries and regions have enforced prohibitions or limitations on single-use plastic bags to diminish plastic waste and promote the adoption of reusable alternatives.
• Circular Economy Initiatives: Initiatives aimed at advancing a circular economy, characterized by more efficient resource utilization and waste reduction, can aid in curtailing plastic pollution by ensuring that plastics are reused, recycled, or composted rather than being discarded as waste.
• Industry Initiatives: Many companies and industries are taking steps to reduce their use of plastic and promote recycling and reuse of plastics in their products and packaging.
• Education and Awareness Campaigns: Public education and awareness initiatives are vital in mitigating plastic pollution by motivating individuals to decrease their reliance on single-use plastics and embrace more sustainable behaviors.
• Research and Innovation: Continued research and innovation are essential for developing new technologies, materials, and solutions to address plastic pollution and promote a more sustainable approach to plastic use.

Solutions to Plastic Pollution

Tackling plastic pollution necessitates a holistic approach that encompasses reducing plastic production and consumption, enhancing waste management systems, advocating for recycling and reuse, and fostering innovation in materials and technologies. Here are some key solutions to plastic pollution:

• Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Encourage individuals and businesses to reduce the use of single-use plastics such as bags, straws, and bottles by opting for reusable alternatives.
• Improve Recycling Infrastructure: Invest in and expand recycling facilities and programs to ensure more plastics are recycled rather than ending up in landfills or the environment.
• Promote Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Hold producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, including collection, recycling, and disposal, to incentivize the development of more sustainable packaging and products.
• Ban or Restrict Problematic Plastics: To reduce their environmental impact, implement bans or restrictions on certain types of single-use plastics, such as microbeads, styrofoam, and plastic bags.
• Encourage Innovation: Support research and development of alternative materials to plastics and innovative technologies for recycling and upcycling plastic waste.
• Clean-up Initiatives: Support and participate in clean-up efforts to remove plastic waste from the environment, especially in rivers, oceans, and coastal areas.
• Education and Awareness: Increase awareness about the environmental impact of plastic pollution and encourage sustainable practices among individuals, businesses, and communities.
• Policy and Regulation: Implementing and enforcing policies and regulations at all levels to reduce plastic pollution, including single-use plastic bans and mandatory recycling, is crucial.
• Invest in Sustainable Alternatives: Support developing and adopting sustainable alternatives to plastics, such as compostable materials and biodegradable plastics.
• Behavioral Change: To reduce plastic pollution, encourage changes in consumer behavior, such as choosing products with less packaging and properly disposing of plastic waste.

Various stakeholders must coordinate their efforts and overcome several obstacles to address plastic pollution. Here are some of the key challenges in combatting plastic pollution:

• Complexity of the Issue: Plastic pollution is a multifaceted problem with diverse sources, pathways, and impacts, making it challenging to address comprehensively.
• Global Nature: Plastic pollution transcends national borders and requires coordinated action at the international level, making it difficult to implement unified policies and regulations.
• Limited Recycling Infrastructure: Inadequate recycling infrastructure and low recycling rates in many regions hinder efforts to manage and recycle plastic waste effectively.
• Lack of Alternatives: While alternatives to plastics exist, such as biodegradable or compostable materials, they may only sometimes be readily available or economically viable, limiting their adoption.
• Consumer Behavior: Changing consumer behavior and reducing reliance on single-use plastics require significant education, awareness-raising, and incentivization efforts.
• Economic Factors: The production and use of plastics are deeply entrenched in global economies, and transitioning to more sustainable alternatives may face resistance from industries and businesses.
• Plastic Production: The continued growth of plastic production, driven by demand from various industries, poses a challenge to reducing plastic pollution.
• Policy Implementation: Enacting and enforcing policies and regulations to address plastic pollution may face political and logistical challenges, including opposition from stakeholders and the need for enforcement capacity.
• International Cooperation: Achieving meaningful progress in combating plastic pollution requires cooperation and collaboration among governments, businesses, NGOs, and other stakeholders, which can be challenging to achieve.

Future Outlook

The future outlook for addressing plastic pollution includes challenges, opportunities, and potential advancements. Here are some key aspects of the future outlook for combating plastic pollution:

• Increased Awareness and Action: There is growing global awareness about the severity of plastic pollution and its impacts on the environment and human health. This heightened awareness drives increased action at all levels, from grassroots initiatives to international agreements.
• Policy and Regulatory Changes: Governments worldwide are implementing policies and regulations to reduce plastic pollution, including bans on single-use plastics, extended producer responsibility schemes, and incentives for recycling and waste reduction.
• Technological Innovations: Technological advances, such as new materials, recycling technologies, and waste management systems, hold promise for more effectively addressing plastic pollution. Innovations such as biodegradable plastics, chemical recycling, and ocean cleanup technologies have the potential to reduce plastic waste significantly.
• Shift Towards Circular Economy: There is a growing recognition of the need to move away from a linear economy, which involves consuming products and disposing of them, towards a circular economy that focuses on using resources more efficiently and reducing waste. This shift towards a circular economy model can help reduce plastic pollution by promoting reuse, recycling, and resource efficiency.
• Consumer Behavior Change: Changing consumer attitudes and behaviors toward plastics, including reducing consumption, opting for reusable alternatives, and properly disposing of plastic waste, will be crucial for effectively addressing plastic pollution.
• Industry Action: Businesses and industries increasingly recognize the importance of addressing plastic pollution and are taking steps to reduce their plastic footprint. These initiatives include redesigning packaging, investing in recycling infrastructure, and incorporating recycled materials into products.
• International Collaboration: Addressing plastic pollution requires coordinated action at the global level, involving collaboration among governments, businesses, NGOs, and other stakeholders. International agreements and partnerships, such as the Basel Convention and the Global Plastic Action Partnership, play a crucial role in driving collective action.
• Research and Education: Continued research on the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution, alongside public education and awareness initiatives, will be vital for shaping policy decisions, fostering innovation, and garnering public support for action.

Addressing plastic pollution is imperative for safeguarding the environment, wildlife, and human health. While the challenges are significant, there is growing momentum and action at global, national, and local levels to tackle this issue. By implementing a combination of strategies, including reducing single-use plastics, improving waste management systems, promoting recycling and innovation, and fostering behavior change, we can make meaningful progress in reducing plastic pollution. It will require cooperation and commitment from governments, industries, communities, and individuals to transition towards a more sustainable, plastic-free future. Together, we can strive towards a cleaner, healthier planet for both present and future generations.

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Single Use Plastics Essay – 500 Words [2024]

The use of single-use plastics is causing extensive damage to the environment. So it is a big concern for the world. So today we are sharing this topic Single Use Plastic Essay In English 500 Words to my readers.

Table of Contents

Introduction

In our country India, many companies produce millions of tons of single-use plastics every year, most of which can not be recycled. Once the single-use plastic is used then it is thrown away in the garbage. It is very harmful to the life of human beings, animals, plants, and marine creatures. That is why the Indian government has strictly banned the use of these things.

What is single-use plastic?

Generally, single-use plastic means disposable plastic. All the plastic products that we cannot reuse are called single-use plastic. The main component of single-use plastic is petroleum. These are produced at very low cost and we are used widely nowadays. Since it cannot be used more than once and it is not spoiled, these are extremely harmful to the ecology.

Examples of single-use plastic

Single-use plastics include plastic bags, plastic glass, polythene, straws, plastic cups, dishes, plastic soda, water bottles, and food packaging items. All these items are used only once and after that are thrown far away in the garbage.

Harmful effects of single-use plastic

1. Single-use plastics are not biodegradable. They usually go under the ground where it is buried it goes into the water and after sometimes it goes into the sea through rivers.

2. Plastics break down into smaller particles by entering soil and water bodies and they do not decompose. Single-use plastics live in the soil and water more than hundred years.

3. The use of single-use plastic is very dangerous for humans, and animals.

4. With the food of water aquatic animals the plastic particles go inside the body. Since plastic is not digestible it has a deadly effect on the body of aquatic animals.

Elimination of single-use plastic

It is now known to all of us what single-use plastic can do to our beautiful planet. So it’s time to eliminate or at least reduce the use of plastics in our daily life. Following are some ways which can be acquired to deal with this burning problem.

Reduce of usage of Plastics

To effectively reduce the menace of plastic pollution, we ourselves are badly in need of reducing our usage of plastics. Everyone should build habits of carrying reusable shopping bags, avoiding bottled water, and drinking tea from a reusable cup. The main motto should be not to use plastics when there is a better alternative.

Reuse of Plastics

In spite of all our efforts, if we found hornists and have been compelled to use, then we should think about reusing those plastics. Many plastics can be reused for different purposes e.g. in art and craft, as resistance, etc. So before throwing the plastics into the garbage we just have to consider its reusage.

Recycle of Plastics

In unavoidable cases, one should go for recyclable plastic instead of single-use plastic, so that these can be reprocessed into new products and thus the load of plastics may be reduced in the wastage pant.

Awareness of using Plastics

Apart from all means, the most important work is to grow awareness among the people to change the mindsets and make a significant behavioral change regularly the reduction of single-use plastic.

Single-use plastics are a serious threat to the environment. It can really be one of the major causes of the destruction of our beautiful planet. So it is crucial to reduce, rather stop the usage of single-use plastic by getting habituated with eco-friendly products. Everyone should take an oath at the core of their heart to protect our world from plastic pollution.

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